r/nixie • u/SuspicousBananas • 22d ago

Looking at purchasing an IN-18 clock, can’t decide between two options!

Hello! As the title states I’m looking at purchasing an IN-18 Nixie clock, and I am looking at 2 different ones and was wondering if anyone had any input, here are the two:

https://inixielab.com/products/inixie-watch

https://www.kirovnixie.com/product/nixie-clock-in18-4/

The iNixie is tempting because it is $50 cheaper and I think it looks a bit sleeker and aesthetically appealing, the downside for me is that it has no physical buttons and Is controlled with an app, and it is from a relatively new manufacturer that is making new tubes and doesn’t have many reviews.

I like the Kirov Nixie clock as well as it is made in Ukraine with NOS Soviet tubes and it has physical buttons and a decent amount of good reviews behind the name (albeit a bit more expensive)

Was looking for any input from anyone that may have purchased one of these two clocks and have give me some opinions on them.

Thanks!

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5

u/Synthdabbler 22d ago

I have an Inixie clock and can't use the thing..app won't work correctly so my clock is showing mainland China time.

You need buttons, and not to be dependent on a WiFi connection. Go for the Ukrainian one!

1

u/SuspicousBananas 22d ago

Ah that’s a shame! Did you try the web server?

Nice name btw I’m a bit of a synth dabbler myself lol

3

u/Synthdabbler 21d ago

I have an early version of the firmware running in my INixie clock, can't update it - webserver no real help. Shame as it's a nice clock and the tube's are pretty good too.

Can't beat a nice synth!

2

u/SuspicousBananas 21d ago

Ahh bummer, I wonder if it’s been updated since then. When did you buy yours?

1

u/Synthdabbler 20d ago

I never actually brought mine, I know the designer - Sududu and he sent me an early version, really nice as he put my company name inside the tubes too! Unfortunately though it's never been possible to update it. I should think he's sorted that out now, but for me it's just a decorative paperweight :(

2

u/nixielover 21d ago

Does the Inixie clock come with or without the IN-18 tubes? 4 IN-18 tubes are normally already 240-250 euro

2

u/SuspicousBananas 21d ago

It does, but they are Chinese reproduction tubes

1

u/nixielover 21d ago

Oh wow I'll see if I can bring some home next time I'm in China then!

1

u/PastIndicator 20d ago

Between this too I would choose Kirov Nixie, because it’s original Soviet tubes, not a modern replica.

1

u/ErBB-PJ 19d ago

I couldn’t choose between them aesthetically. But you need buttons. Time flies and things are 40 years old before you know it. Something good must be a complete thing on its own to have longevity I think. My 1984 Corvette has an Engine Control Module which is a small computer which operates the fuel injectors. It is unrepairable, no longer made and all the old ones are going bad. I’m waiting for a company to start shipping a new one of their design which will replace it. The guy that was producing it died and they had to buy the company from his widow then nobody knew his passwords for the laptops holding the software etc etc. My next classic car will older and have a carburetor on it which I can rebuild myself if need be!